THE SECOND EPISTLE OF JOHN. _Chronological Notes relative to this Epistle._ -Year of the Constantinopolitan era of the world, or that used by the Byzantine historians, and other eastern writers, 5593. -Year of the Alexandrian era of the world, 5587. -Year of the Antiochian era of the world, 5577... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:2. _FOR THE TRUTH'S SAKE_] On account of the Gospel. _WHICH DWELLETH IN US_] By the grace which it has proclaimed. _AND SHALL BE WITH US_] For God will preserve not only the Christian religion but its truth, all its essential doctrines for ever. And they that _abide in the truth_ sh... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:3. _GRACE BE WITH YOU_] This is addressed to _her_, her _household_, and probably that part of the _Church_ which was more immediately under her care. _THE SON OF THE FATHER_] The apostle still keeps in view the _miraculous conception_ of Christ; a thing which the _Gnostics_ absolute... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:4. _THAT I FOUND OF THY CHILDREN WALKING IN TRUTH_] I have already supposed this Christian matron to be _mother of a_ _family_, probably a _widow_, for no mention is made of her husband; and that she was also a _deaconess_ in the church, and one in those house the travelling evangeli... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:5. _THAT WHICH WE HAD FROM THE BEGINNING_] The commandment _to love one another_ was what they had heard from the first publication of Christianity, and what he wishes this excellent woman to inculcate on all those under her care. The mode of address here shows that it was a _person_,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:6. _AND THIS IS LOVE_] That is, our love is shown and proved by our walking according to the commandments of God; for love is the principle of obedience.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:7. _FOR MANY DECEIVERS_, c.] Of these he had spoken before, see 1 John 4:1, c. And these appear to have been _Gnostics_, for they denied that _Jesus was come in the flesh_. And this doctrine, so essential to salvation, none could deny but a _deceiver_ and an _antichrist_. Instead of ε... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:8. _LOOK TO YOURSELVES_] Be on your guard against these seducers; watch, pray, love God and each other, and walk in newness of life. _THAT WE LOSE NOT THOSE THINGS WHICH WE HAVE WROUGHT_] That we apostles, who have been the means of your conversion, may not be deprived of you as our... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:9. _WHOSOEVER TRANSGRESSETH_] παραβαινων. He who _passes_ over the sacred enclosure, or _goes beyond_ the prescribed limits; _and abideth not in the doctrine_-does not remain _within_ these _holy_ _limits_, but indulges himself either in excesses of _action_ or _passion; hath not God_... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:10. _IF THERE COME ANY UNTO YOU_] Under the character of an apostle or evangelist, to preach in your house; _and bring not_ _this doctrine_, that Jesus is come in the flesh, and has died for the redemption of the world. _RECEIVE HIM NOT UNTO YOUR HOUSE_] Give him no entertainment as... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:11. _IS PARTAKER OF HIS EVIL DEEDS._] He that acts towards him as if he considered him a Christian brother, and sound in the faith, puts it in his power to deceive others, by thus apparently accrediting his ministry. No sound Christian should countenance any man as a _Gospel minister... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:12. _HAVING MANY THINGS TO WRITE_] That is, I have many things that I might write to thee, but I think it best not to commit them to paper, because I hope to visit thee shortly, and speak fully of those matters, which will be a means of increasing the comfort both of thee and thy fami... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 John 1:13. _THE CHILDREN OF THY ELECT SISTER_] Probably her _own_ _sister_, who lived at Ephesus; and, being acquainted with the apostle's writing, desired to be thus remembered to her. _Elect_, both in this and the first verse, signifies _excellent, eminent_, or _honourable_. See note on 2... [ Continue Reading ]